Hundreds attend vigil for fallen Prince William County officer

Hundreds packed a parking lot Tuesday night to
remember a local police officer killed Monday in
the line of duty.

Prince William County Officer Chris Yung was trying to respond to a call and had his emergency lights and siren on when his motorcycle collided with a Dodge Caravan and both vehicles caught fire. (Prince William County)

WASHINGTON – Hundreds packed a parking lot Tuesday night to remember a local police officer killed Monday in the line of duty.

Police say Officer Chris Yung was trying to respond to a call and had his emergency lights and siren on when his motorcycle collided with a Dodge Caravan and both vehicles caught fire.

It happened at the intersection of Nokesville Road and Piper Lane in Bristow, and Tuesday’s candlelight vigil was held just steps away in the parking lot of a Target store.

No charges have been filed in the case, but the investigation continues.

Yung, who was 35, served on the department for 7 years and leaves behind a wife and three children.

“We all know what a great smile he had. When we visualize Chris we think about him on the motorcycle. He loved being a motor officer, he loved the work he did, and it showed,” Prince William County Acting Police Chief Barry Barnard told the crowd at the vigil.

Yung’s brother Dale is also a police officer in the county, and he says Chris was the one who encouraged him to become one.

“I had the privilege to have run a couple calls with him. He was a great officer. They’re big shoes (or) boots to fill. He was my best friend. He’s looking down on us right now, and just smiling. He was taken too soon,” Dale Yung said, his voice full of emotion.

“I love him and miss him very much, but he did die doing what he loved,” Dale Yung added.

Yung’s brother Brian says he didn’t originally intend on speaking at the vigil, but felt he must.

“Chris wouldn’t want this all about him. He wanted this to be about all the fallen officers, all the fallen firefighters, all the fallen EMTs,” he said, while trying to hold back sobs.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Yung and are open to all county government employees. The viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3 at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge.

The service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, also at the Hylton Memorial Chapel. Internment will be private.

Donations in memory of Yung can be sent to the Prince William Police Department. All donations will be sent to Law Enforcement United.